There was a time when I used to buy clothes and shoes based on a single size. If I was a size 40 in one brand, I assumed I’d be a size 40 everywhere else. That’s how sizing works, right?
Except… it doesn’t.
Just like with clothing, shoe sizes are completely inconsistent—a number on a label doesn’t actually tell you how something will fit your body (or in this case, your feet). The fashion industry has trained us to pick a size and stick to it, but sizes are arbitrary, misleading, and often meaningless.
The Truth About Sizing (It’s All Made Up)
Did you know clothing and shoe sizes aren’t based on any universal measurement system? Here’s why:
📏 There’s no global standard. Each brand decides what their size numbers mean. A size 10 in one brand can fit like a size 8 or 12 in another.
📏 Vanity sizing is real. Clothing brands tweak sizes to make customers feel better. Ever noticed how you might wear a smaller size in high-end brands? That’s because sizing has gradually gotten larger over time to flatter shoppers.
📏 Shoes have the same problem. Even within the same brand, different models fit differently due to design, materials, and structure.
📏 Mainstream shoe sizing is based on outdated methods. Modern shoe sizing traces back to a system developed in the 14th century using barleycorns (yes, actual grains of barley) to measure foot length. The system has barely evolved since then!
Barefoot shoes are designed differently.
✔ Use millimeters instead of vague numbers
✔ Prioritize foot shape, width, and volume
✔ Allow space for natural toe movement
But sizing still varies between brands and even between styles in the same brand—so measuring your feet is key!
Why Your Shoe Size Isn’t What You Think
Let’s break this down with my own barefoot shoe collection. I wear:
➡️ Huarache sandals: Size 40 – The leather is soft and woven, and it stretches to your foot shape, so I don’t need extra space.
➡️ Most sneakers: Size 41 – More structure, so I go up a size for comfort.
➡️ Be Lenka Rebound sneakers: Size 42 - because of the shape and material, these don't have as much 'give' so sizing up meant no discomfort on my bunion.
➡️ Most boots: Size 42 – Thicker material and socks mean I need even more space.
➡️ New Be Lenka boots model: Size 41 – Because I checked my measurements and knew this one runs a little longer!
So if I just blindly bought a size 41 in every barefoot shoe, I’d end up with:
✖️ Shoes that are too small and squeeze my toes.
✖️ Shoes that are too big and feel loose.
✖️ Shoes that technically “fit” but don’t suit my foot shape.
Why Measuring Your Feet Matters (Especially for Barefoot Shoes!)
Barefoot shoes are designed to let your feet move naturally, but that means fit varies depending on:
👣 Length – Some models run longer, some shorter.
👣 Width – Some are made for wide feet, others for narrow.
👣 Volume – High instep? Low instep? It affects fit.
👣 Toe shape – Not all barefoot shoes have the same toe box shape.
How to Measure Your Feet for the Best Fit
To get the perfect barefoot shoe fit, ditch the size label and grab a ruler instead:
📏 Measure both feet – Your left and right foot might be slightly different!
📏 Check length – Stand on paper, mark your longest toe, and measure.
📏 Check width – Measure across the widest part of your foot.
📏 Consider volume – High vs. low instep can affect fit.
📏 Compare to size charts – Every brand is different. Look at the actual measurements!
Also consider how much space you will need in any given style - a sneaker, a boot, a sandal, a flat - all of these will have different fits.
What’s Actually Stopping You From Wearing the Right Size?
For me, it was aesthetic fear.
When I first realized I needed size 42 boots, I had a moment of disbelief. Wait… 42?! That’s so big. Do I have men’s feet now?
And that thought? That hesitation? That was conditioning. Years of being told that smaller feet = more feminine, that your shoe size “should” be within a certain range, that if you need a bigger size, it must mean something about you. But guess what? It doesn’t.
Your feet aren’t "too big": your shoes were just too small.
The reality is, our feet deserve to fit comfortably in shoes that match their actual size—not the size we’ve been told to wear. Your 'usual size' is a good place to start but is not a foolproof way of getting the right size every time. Likewise, size conversion charts (e.g. US size to EU size) can be a helpful tool but again these are inconsistent and should not be relied upon to guess the right size in any new style you are trying.
👋 Need help finding the right size? Check our measuring guide and size charts (these are included on every product page) before you order and send us an email at admin@roambarefoot.co.nz with any questions!